The Travel Bug

29 November 2015

Reasons Why It's Fun To Visit New York City During Thanksgiving Holiday

New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world. There are plenty of things to see, do, try out, and definitely worth coming back for.

Last year, hubby and I had the opportunity to spend the Black Friday Season but have missed the Thanksgiving and the Macy's Parade by 1 day. It was a last minute decision because I thought my vacation leave wouldn't get approved. I am glad I was allowed to go but it had derailed a lot of plans in the process. Still, the last minute decision paid off even if we didn't get a chance to take the flight our of Dubai on Thanksgiving.

Getting around New York City especially at this time of the year when it's getting cold and there are plenty of chance to experience the Thanksgiving time is an experience I lover reliving.

Here are some reasons why I find visiting NYC during Thanksgiving fun:

1. It's Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the US. It has been around since the early 1800s and is considered an official holiday in the US. Experience the hospitality of your family and friend when you visit during this time of the year.

Aside from your relatives and friends' hospitality, you can smell home-cooked goodness from a mile when you're around during the Thanksgiving holiday. What's good about that? A lot! If you have family and friends to visit, you will be entertained endlessly and fed with delight to showcase their home-cooked turkey dishes and other staples during Thanksgiving.

2. Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

This is one parade that I have not watched yet in the flesh. It is in my bucket list to watch the live parade but when we visited last year, we didn't get to watch the parade because flights were full. We could only fly to the US on Black Friday which is another reason why it's nice to visit NYC during Thanksgiving holiday.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has been around since 1924 and is one of the most watched and attended parade in the whole of US. You can watch plenty of colourful participants walking down the famous thoroughfares of Manhattan. You can expect to see musical numbers, dancing and singing, colourful costumes and floats, and the famous and humongous helium-filled balloons that the marchers hold while the walk in the parade.

3. Visit the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Bryant Park is one of our favourite park to hangout when visiting Manhattan. I like the laid back feel of sitting there, watching the birds being fed, enjoying a hot cup of coffee on a cold day, reading my mails in my gadget using the free public wifi available around NYC, and most especially, during this time, check out the Winter Village set there.

The ice-skating rink is open and buzzing with lots of skaters especially towards the afternoon until evening where the place is alight with plenty of Christmas lights.

Aside from the free ice-skating rink, there are more than a hundred shops to visit selling Christmas wares and other crafty stuff and when you get hungry, there are numerous food kiosks to choose from.

The place can get very crowded towards weekend and after school and office hours. So, if you want to enjoy the place sans the crowd, go there during off-peak hours. The shops will be open until first week of January only.

4. Black Friday shopping

Another favourite past time of mine! I love shopping so this will come as no surprise because Black Friday deals are my thing.

If you don't dig going out of town then retailers and shops in Manhattan are open to cater to the discerning tastes of the consumers a.k.a. the savvy shoppers.

Can you guess what's inside those bags?

Enjoy huge discounts during the Black Friday sale but be sure to get ready to work your way through a throng of people just to get a certain item. Hubby and I avoided that scenario so we opted to visit the outlet mall. However, we anticipated the difficulty that we would encounter if we had to head back to Manhattan so booking a hotel for a night nearby was the best decision. Traffic was horrible and it was difficult to grab a cab. Good thing, the hotel was just 10 minutes walk from Jersey Garden. We got it all covered.

Thanksgiving Holiday in the US is one experience I will never forget. You can skip the shopping if you are not into spending money but because the deals were too nice to resist, we took advantage while we were there.

27 November 2015

Little Passport's Black Friday Deal 2015

**The links in this post are
affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a
purchase after clicking on my link.

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subscription plan. 10% discount is applied to all non-subscription
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a subscription can have a delayed holiday start. Offer excludes
shipping and taxes. Offer valid from 11/25 at 8:00AM EST to 12/1 at
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5 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Cornwall

As you know, traveling is in my blood. Recently, I have been thinking about heading to the South of the UK. Cornwall is a beautiful region of England. If you want a relaxing getaway, this place is ideal for you. From the many beaches to the woodland walks, there is something for everyone. When you decide to visit this place, there are loads of things to see and do. It is worth planning your trip before you get there. That way, you can squeeze everything into your stay. Here are five reasons to visit Cornwall soon.

1. The coastal walks are divine

Do you love a good old ramble? If you enjoy walking, you're in for a real treat. There are many great coastal walks in Cornwall that you might want to try. Often, you will find these walks take you across the top of cliffs and steep hills. When you're up there, you will get an incredible view of the beaches and sea. You should set aside a day or two for this activity so that you have time to enjoy it.

2. There are many seaside hotels

If you want to be beside the seaside, you need to find a hotel that suits your needs. I've been looking online and found some options that I think might work. In Looe, there is a place called the Old Bridge House. The hotel is right by the port, which means that it's just a stone's throw away from the water. Of course, there are many little fishing towns in this region. When you travel along the coast, you will find that there are many beauty spots.

3. The people are friendly

If there is one thing you can say about the Cornish it is that they are friendly. The people in this region are welcoming and cheerful. As you travel in Cornwall, it is worth chatting to the locals. Be aware that some of them call outsiders grockles. Don't worry, this term is not as offensive as it first sounds. It just means that you are a holidaymaker!

The Eden Project is one of the biggest attractions in Cornwall, and it is well worth visiting. You should buy your tickets in advance so that you get the best possible deal. If you visit this park in the summer, you will get to see all kinds of plants. During the winter, the organizers put an ice rink between the large bubbles. You can skate the night away in beautiful surroundings.

5. You can try an authentic pasty!

Finally, one of the main the reasons people want to go to Cornwall is because they make the best pasties in the world. If you want to try an authentic pasty, there are loads of shops that can help you out. After all, you can't go all the way to this destination without trying a delicious meaty treat! I hope this list inspires you guys to go to Cornwall too! I can't wait to visit this exciting and interesting place.

24 November 2015

Traveling or Not?

We are going back and forth with our plans to travel this December for winter escapade. The flights are not looking very good. Although my daughter will be here for more than 3 weeks, we want to take advantage of that long winter break so we can spend it somewhere. Initially, it's Seattle but I'm not feeling the place. Next, New York but the hotel rates are going crazy. Next, Los Angeles. The flight is looking full because it's the holiday season and we only have 1 flight in LAX.

So, it's either we all have a staycation this winter or try Osaka for a change. All I want to do is to go tan amusement park with my family. Just to unwind and get away from all the hustle and bustle of stress. A good playtime is much appreciated.

Let's see how the plan goes. For now, I'm open to any suggestion as long as we don't have to wait long for the visa to be issued. Japan issues visa quite fast than Schengen. Although traveling to the US is the most practical one because we already have US visas, we don't want to get stuck there because of our staff air tickets and no seat availability. Anyway, I am looking forward to any vacation I can have this holiday season, be it here in Dubai or outside. Any vacation or no vacation at all.

22 November 2015

Little Passports Is On Sale!

Little Passports is offering a fabulous deals for young explorers! Why not give them this gift for Christmas and introduce the young ones to the many wonderful places around the world with their educational and fun subscription box?

**This promotion is valid online only at www.littlepassports.com. To redeem enter code WARMUP at checkout. Discount is applied to the 12 month subscription plan. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers and/or applied retroactively to previously placed orders. Only store items bundled with a subscription can have a delayed holiday start. Offer excludes shipping and taxes. Offer valid from 11/16 at 8:00AM EST to 11/23 at 11:59PM EST.

18 November 2015

A Guide To Skiing With The Kids In Tow

Skiing is one of those things that many parents are wary about doing with kids in tow, but that shouldn’t be the case. During the winter months, skiing is the perfect vacation. You shouldn’t be stopped from going away just because you have children to think about.

I am a big believer in travelling with my kids to all sorts of destinations and do so on a regular basis. To help make the idea of skiing with children in tow a little less stressful, I thought I would share a few useful tips:

Okay, so you want to travel this winter, but can’t decide when. Should you go during the Christmas period or at another time? While Christmas is a magical time to ski, during the festive period, you’ll find that most ski resorts will be packed.

When taking your little ones skiing for the first time, it’s best to go at a time when it won’t be busy. Learning to ski is hard enough without incredibly busy slopes. So if your kids have never skied before, it’s best not to go at Christmas. Choose a time that’s less likely to be busy, such as the start of December or end of January.

Pick a child-friendly resort

While most resorts are suitable for the whole family, some are more child-friendly than others. For example, while Vail is family-friendly, there are more steep slopes than child-friendly ones. Whereas, Breckenridge in Colorado has a good selection of slopes, all in relatively close distance to one another.

As well as taking into account the slopes, it’s also a good idea to think about the services provided at the resort. For example, at Breckenridge, there are lots of family restaurants, child care, and ski instructors. Make sure that there are ski instructors who are native English speakers, to teach your kids. As otherwise, they’ll find learning too difficult.

Choose somewhere that will save you money

Family holidays can be expensive, so any resorts that offer you ways to save money are perfect. Look out for deals on lift passes - some resorts offer free passes for under 10s. Some ski restaurants do half price deals on kid’s meals, so make sure to keep an eye out for these.

Another way you can save money on your trip is by opting to take the shuttle from the airport, instead of a cab or hire car. For example, at Breckenridge, you can save a lot of money by opting to travel via shuttle instead of taxi. Obviously, if you do plan on travelling via bus, make sure to check the Breckenridge airport shuttle schedules.

Stay in a chalet

While you will find plenty of fantastic deals for hotels online, if you are travelling with kids, staying in a chalet is a better option. Not only will the kids have more room to run about, but you’ll also have access to a kitchen. So, should you have a fussy eater, you can cater to their needs. Instead of having to stress about eating out.

Skiing with kids might be a little more complicated than hitting the slopes child-free, but you can still have an amazing time.

14 November 2015

Osaka? Amsterdam? Orlando?

Well, my feet is itchy and I want to scratch it real bad. It's not fungus. It's just the travel bug, biting me real bad.

Traveling is my great way to de-stress myself. I have to travel somewhere every year, every quarter, and even every month, if only I can. I just feel happier when I am out and about, discovering new attractions, enjoying other country's culture and having a good bite of their local cuisine.

Next year, I have planned tentatively several places as a gift to my daughter's 18th birthday in February. Unfortunately, we will be using staff travel tickets so getting seats are unlikely due to the high season. Anyway, just in case our Osaka doesn't happen in February, there is always April! Either it's back to Keukenhof Gardens or fly off to Orlando to enjoy Disneyland.

All these plans will depend if my daughter has enough vacation to spare and if my boss allows me to utilize my leave in advance.

Anyway, for now they are in the planning stages. I will be very upset if I don't get to travel anywhere in 2016. I will have to squeeze in a travel anytime soon or I will go bonkers.

10 November 2015

The Loire Valley: Planning Your Ultimate Trip

The Loire Valley is a beautiful area situated in Southern France. If you haven’t been here before you are in for a real treat. It’s renowned for it’s historical chateauxs and breathtaking countryside. It’s often referred to as the ‘garden of France’ and you don’t get a name like that unless you are astoundingly beautiful. It has something to offer all tastes, from outdoor sports to historical tours. It's also a fabulous European location for families and couples to visit for long or short breaks. Read on to find out how you can make this a trip to remember for you and your family.

When visiting the beautiful Loire Valley, the best times to come during months where everything is open. Peak seasons can get very busy, so plan your trip for May, June or September. During their winter off-peak seasons many hotels and attractions will close. This usually starts in November and ends in February. You don’t want to make the mistake of visiting when everything is closed for the season so plan carefully.

To make the most of the area it’s best to travel by car. There are other options such as bus or train, but some of the local points of interest are located in remote places. A car makes it easier to travel directly to where you wish you go. Bicycle hire is a great family activity, that encourages you all to see more of the local culture and countryside. There are eight hundred kilometres of bicycle routes, alongside the River Loire. Along the route there are many bike-friendly establishments you can visit or stay in. Car and Bike hire can be found at majority of the areas stations and hotels.

Plan some time to shop for souvenirs and trinkets for your family back home. The Loire Valley has many wonderful shopping locations. Head to Angers for a great selections of local crafts and popular fashion chains. Many of the local towns will hold their own food markets. Taste the delicious home made chocolates and wines on offer, and give some of the local delicacies a try too.

If you like to get involved in the local culture, stay in some of the smaller historical villages. You will be made most welcome and there will be reduced traffic jams and noise pollution. It will give you a real taste of what life is like there and you can easily mingle with the locals. If you prefer a more luxurious touch to your vacation why not try a converted chateaux. There are over a thousand in the Loire Valley and many of them have been transformed into functioning hotels. These will provide you will French countryside living and have luxury room and grounds for you to explore. The history in these establishments are also never ending so you can really soak up the knowledge.

Visiting this vast area will be one of the best decisions you ever made. With so much on offer you won’t have trouble creating a very full itinerary for yourself and your family.

08 November 2015

A Different Kind Of Mountain Bobsledding in Italy

Have you ever tried bobsledding during winter time? Did you feel the rush of adrenalin and your heart pumping as fast as the twist and turn of the bobsleigh? How about doing it downhill on ordinary season without any safety helmet, just a safety seatbelt and a lever brake?

Fun Bob. That's the name of the place in Alpe Campo Rimasco in Italy. It's a unique outdoor adventure because the whole family can enjoy. The descent is about 1850 metres starting from a restaurant at the Alpe Campo and down to the base where you could rest and enjoy the cool, alpine air in Valsesia. The descent will last around more than 2 minutes depending on your speed.

It is open during summer and also during weekends in October before the winter season sets.

(Photo credit: tripadvisor.nl)

This is a video I have taken from YouTube from the Rifugio Alpe Campo which runs the place. Thrilling!!!

07 November 2015

Visiting Penang? Top Things To Do During Your Stay

Penang is beautiful tourists destination in Malaysia. It’s often called the pearl of Malaysia and offers a huge variety of tourist attractions for everybody to enjoy. It’s a wonderful place rich with natural beauty, history and culture. Not to mention it has some of the best shopping centres in Malaysia. To know how to make the most of your trip I’ve found three things you absolutely must do during your stay. Each of these suggestions will allow you to soak up every aspect of Penang, and it’s interesting culture. Read on to find out more.

A Beca, otherwise known as a Trishaw is the ideal way to sightsee around Penang. This novel and traditional means of transportation are wonderful if you prefer doing your sightseeing at a slower pace. This is becoming an ultimate activity to do here. Many tourists enjoying the nostalgic feeling of sitting in the three-wheeled vehicle. Try to find a guide that has good English skills. This will give you great local insight on interesting places to visit or dine at, which the travel agents may not know about yet. Georgetown is the ideal spot for a ride in a Beca. It has a wonderful heritage trail where you can find out more about the history and culture of Penang. Definitely an absolute must when visiting the area.

Penang is famous for it’s love of food. It has a world famous culinary scene and has won many accolades over the years for it’s diverse choice of food. With such a multicultural background, Penang has wonderful food options from all over the world. As well as traditional Malaysian dishes they also have Indian, Chinese and even Western food on offer. These are just to name a few. Look at any reviews of Penang and you will notice that the food is often their favourite thing about the region. Prepare to eat like you’ve never eaten before.

3. Go Shopping

Penang has some of the largest and best shopping malls and plazas around. Penang’s first avenue mall is located in the heart of Georgetown. It has fashion, entertainment and dining all under one roof. So there’s something to please everybody. They offer a wide variety of local and international brands such as H&M, Starbucks and Converse to name a few. They also have beauty salons and cinemas for you to enjoy. It is also located near to plenty of hotels and other points of interests. To find a budget hotel in Penang that’s right for you, research the local area and read tourist reviews. If you would prefer a more cultural experience, also check out the local Penang markets.

So there are the top three things you should definitely do during your trip to Penang. Remember Penang is full of plenty of other things you can do on your trip too. It’s a place of outstanding natural beauty, which you are bound to fall completely in love with.

06 November 2015

Some Affordable European Destinations To Visit

Europe is known for its rich culture, neoclassical and gothic buildings, food, and sceneries. However, the reputation of Europe is not always rosy because it is an expensive continent to visit. The commonly used currency in Europe is Euro while other European countries still use their own country's currency.

Not all of Europe is expensive. There are still many destinations and countries in Europe to see that will be just half of what you will spend for when you visit Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and the northern European countries.

Here are some countries in Europe to visit that will not dent your budget while still enjoying the glorious culture, history, food, and sceneries the other counterparts in Europe have to offer.

Turkey

Photo credit: wilsonstockphotos.com

You hit two birds with one stone when you visit Turkey. You can either visit the European side or check out the Asian side of this beautiful country filled with fantastic architectural marvels, nice food, great dancing, and places to see.

When I visited Turkey in 2002, the money used was still Turkish Lira and it was affordable. They have since changed to Euro but the cost of accommodation, food and transportation is still relatively cheaper compared to other European countries.

Czech Republic

Prague is a beautiful city in Czech Republic, formerly known as Czechoslovakia. Although accommodation prices is starting to rise due to its popularity amongst travellers who wish to visit Europe on a budget, you can still find a very affordable hotel accommodation according to your budget.

When I was scouting for hotel prices before I decided to take the Italy-Spain route, I had checked on Prague, Warsaw and Budapest's accommodation for the same period of time I and my daughter would have spent in Barcelona. The hotel rates were almost 30-50% off the price I would pay in the hotel I have booked in Barcelona for the same number of nights.

As of today, 1 Euro is equals to 27.06 Czech Koruna. And what does that mean? You get more value out of your Euro when you exchange it for their local currency.

Hungary

Hungary is another country in the Central part of Europe. Just like Czech Republic, it still uses Hugarian Forint as its local currency which is 1 Euro = 314 Hungarian Forint. You will get so much more out of your Euro and US$ when you exchange it to their local currency.

Hungary is filled with neoclassical buildings, rich culture and fabulous sceneries that you will also see in other expensive European countries.

Bulgaria

(Photo not mine)

Bulgaria is a beautiful country that is still relatively cheap compared to other glitzy European cities. You can travel everywhere Bulgaria and enjoy the affordable accommodation, tours, transportation and dining while there.

The currency they use is Bulgarian Lev.

Croatia

Photo credit: www.dreamstine.com

Croatia may not ring a good bell to travellers because of its troubled past. But Croatia boasts of beautiful beaches that can compete with other well-known beach resorts in the other side of Europe. It is close to Italy too so you can do a side trip when you want to.

It still uses its own currency, the Croatian Kuna which is still lower than the Euro.

05 November 2015

Making the Most of Your Safari Holiday

Many people book a safari trip without really knowing what they're letting themselves in for. They don't really do much research and, as a result, they don't know what else is on offer. There's much more to a safari adventure than just driving around the desert. There is so much to do and see that I'd hate for anybody to miss out. That's why I've compiled this list of fantastic things to do while on safari.

If you're thinking about planning a safari holiday, or are not yet convinced, read on for my tips on making the most of your trip.

Explore The Desert

Okay, let's start with the obvious, shall we? Safaris may not be as single-minded as many people think they are, but it still has its main attraction. That is encountering wild animals up close and personal. It's an experience that you can't put a price on, really. Being accompanied by a tour guide will keep you safe in on the desert plains, and you get to see so many marvelous creatures in their natural habitat.

When it comes to your regular safari, you have two choices: a driving tour or a camping trip.

A Hummer Safari is by far the most popular choice. People probably just feel safer knowing they're inside a vehicle and able to escape if things get sticky. However, as long as you follow the instructions of your tour guide, safaris are perfectly safe. That's why some people choose to get the most natural experience possible - with a camping trip. It may seem like a crazy prospect, but it can be such a rewarding experience. Being surrounded by nature - with none of the distractions of modern life - is incredible. Read my list of reasons as to why you should consider a holiday in the wilderness.

Go Snorkeling

If you think that everything you need to see is just above ground, you'd be wrong. In fact, there are so many amazing experiences to be had underwater. There's a reason so many people have snorkeling on their bucket list, you know?

Beneath the surface, there's thousands of different tropical fish to be found. An assortment of colours and shapes await you. It's almost like being on another planet - visually breathtaking. Make sure you read tips on staying safe when deep sea diving, though.

Experience the Culture

There may be some days that you don't feel like exploring much. That's okay, too. There's plenty of time for adventure on other days. A common misconception is that there's nothing else to do on a safari trip, and that's not true.

Most countries also have standard holiday resorts. If you're staying in a hotel, you can take a day of rest instead. Spend the day in the spa, or on the beach, or sitting idly by the pool. Take a few good books, and you'll be able to recover quickly for your next round of African adventure!

There's also plenty of new food, music and people to experience too, so make sure you don't miss out on that, either!

04 November 2015

My Top Countries for Delicious Food

One of my favorite things to do, when we're traveling, is try new food. It's a great way to explore somewhere new, and you can't stick to what you know when you travel. I can try things I wouldn't be able to have at home, and I can learn about dishes that I can try to recreate myself. It also helps you discover more about your hometown because you might look for restaurants serving new cuisine when you get home. There are many countries that are fantastic for food, but some are better than others. Here are my top destinations for eating your way through your vacation.

Spain

The countries in Europe have very diverse cuisines, but one of the best places to go to has to be Spain. The different regions have their own cooking, so you can get varying experiences, depending on where you go. Eating in Barcelona could be very different to eating in Murcia. There are some of Spain's most famous dishes and produce to try, from paella to Iberico ham. Of course, you can enjoy the great tradition of tapas, where you can have lots of small plates. I love this idea because it means you can try lots of delicious things at once.

Thailand

Like Europe, you can find a diverse range of foods across Asia too. Thailand is always held up as one of the best countries on the continent to visit for food. I agree that Thai food is some of the best in the world! You can find some fantastic street food to start with, just by wandering around in the right places. But the cuisine goes all the way up to more upmarket restaurants, where you can enjoy some gourmet food. Traditionally, Thai cooking has to have the flavors of spicy, sour, salty and sweet.

Italy

Another European country famous for its food, Italy has spread its cuisine all over the world. You can find delicious Italian dishes everywhere, but there's nothing like enjoying them in the country where they come from. People often think of pizza and pasta when it comes to Italian food, but there's more to it than that. You can try so many things on a visit to Italy, from bread to cold meats. Taking a food tour with emiliadelizia.com, or even having some Italian cooking lessons, is a great way to explore the cuisine.

India

India is another country where the food can vary from one region to another. You'll find very different food in the north and in the south. In the north, meals are based on roti bread, while in the south they eat rice. Even from one town to the next, you can find interesting differences. Like Thailand, you can find both delicious street food and upmarket restaurants. And there's everything in between available too.

I can't go traveling without trying new food, and I always encourage my daughter to try too. I can't wait for my next trip to taste some exciting new flavors.

03 November 2015

Day Trip to Venice

Ah, Venice! I thought I would never set my foot in that place. And I did! And I am happy!

This year is our summer Euro trip. I didn't plan for any US trip because we haven't visited Europe for sometime. Hubby allowed me and our daughter to go on our mother-daughter bonding trip to visit relatives in Milan and experience a road trip to see Venice. We were so excited to finally see the much talked about place in the planet. It didn't disappoint!

Venice is located in the region of Veneto, Italy. It is approximately 3 hours drive from Milan (with pit stops) and even the drive to Venice was full of rolling hills with vineyards, beautiful villas, vistas of green trees, and clear blue sky. It was like seeing all the beautiful pictures I have only seen in travel magazines come to life right before my eyes. Breath taking!

We spent 4 hours in Venice. We even got lost in the winding alleys that looked the same to the newbies. But we weren't nervous. It was fun getting lost in a place filled with history, culture and romance!

I had wonderful time watching the gondolas pass underneath the bridge were we stood. We were even lucky to watch a singing gondolier! The place is simply captivating. I and my daughter were mesmerized.

Souvenir hunting was superb! There were plenty of shops to check out. They were pricey but we managed to buy a few.

A visit in Venice wouldn't be complete without eating the famous tiramisu gelato which is a fave of my daughter.

It was a bit difficult to walk towards noon time. The scorching heat made it impossible to enjoy the view. So we rested for a while in Piazza San Marco and watched other people pass by and the pigeons. Yes, there were still plenty of pigeons.

Some of the architectural structures around Piazza San Marco was being refurbished so we weren't able to get a decent shot of the famous buildings. It's okay. We still had plenty of snaps taken around the place.

We wrapped the whole Venezia trip around past 4 as we need to head back to Milan before it got dark.

Will we visit the place again? Definitely but not during summer. Perhaps, when it's a bit cold because I love the cold weather.

02 November 2015

Awesome Reasons to Visit San Diego, California

In the next few years, I have some incredible trips planned to places I've never seen before. Next year, I'll be seeing a lot of Europe, and I've got a South American tour scheduled for 2018. But I also love to reflect back on the places I have been to and recommend them to anyone who has yet to experience them. San Diego was one of my favorite places to see in California, for a lot of reasons. One of them is that we have family in LA, but that's probably not a great reason for anyone else to visit! If you think you would like to go, here are my top reasons to see San Diego.

History

I love exploring the history of the places we visit because it reveals so much about each location. San Diego is full of history, and has some great museums. When we visited a few years ago, we made sure to check out the Hotel Coronado, which is supposed to have a 19th century ghost! If you head to Balboa Park, you can find the Natural History Museum, Reuben H Fleet Science Center, and several more. You definitely won't run out of places to go and new things to learn.

Stylish Places to Stay

One of my favorite things about traveling is staying in lots of different accommodation. It's fun to get to stay in a hotel or a rented apartment, especially when you don't have to clean up after yourself! I like staying somewhere that has some character, and not just a boring hotel with plain white sheets. There are lots of beautiful places to stay in San Diego that are stylish and fun. For example, there's the Hotel Z, recently finished by hotel developer, Sajan Hansji, which is in the trendy Gaslamp Quarter. You can find great places to stay, whether you travel as a family like we do, on your own or with some friends.

Beaches

The beach isn't my favorite place, but I know that other people love them. And many beach-lovers say that San Diego has some of the best in California. There are lots of them, with miles of soft sand. And you can choose whether you want somewhere quiet or somewhere to party. Even if you're not a fan of beaches, you can spend a lot of time looking out at the ocean. You'll find some beautiful views across the city that everyone is sure to love.

Food and Drink

Trying new food is one of the best parts about traveling. I love going out to eat when we're visiting somewhere or sitting down for a cold drink when it's hot. San Diego has a huge range of different food, from Mexican to seafood, and cheap to expensive. There are plenty of food trucks too if street food is what you love. If you like beer, it's also one of the best places to go for craft beers.

San Diego is a great place to visit, and I recommend it to anyone going to California. Don't miss out because you're more interested in LA or San Francisco.